2 weeks in France-5-26 to 6/8/2022

Paris, France-6/2/2022 to 6/8/2022

Paris Landmarks-6/7/2022

Place de la Concorde is one of the major public square in Paris with the two fontaines de la Concorde and the Luxor Obelisk in the middle of the square.

The 2 fountains were designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff, and completed in 1840 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe. The south fountain commemorates the maritime commerce and industry of France, and the north fountain commemorates navigation and commerce on the rivers of France.

The Luxor Obelisk is over 3,000 years old, carved to stand either side of the portal of the Luxor Temple in the reign of Ramesses II (c. 1250 BC). The right-hand (western) stone,75 ft. high, was moved in the 1830s to the Place de la Concorde, while the left-hand (eastern) obelisk remains in its location in Egypt.

Illustration on the base of the obelisk, showing how it was raised into place in 1836, and Hieroglyphs on the upper obelisk. The Pharaoh on his throne is portrayed at the top

South Fontaine de la Concorde illustrated the seas bordering France

Opera Garnier

The Palais Garnier also known as Opéra Garnier is a 1,979-seat opera house at the Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It was built for the Paris Opera from 1861 to 1875 at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III..

East facade of the Opera Garnier.

Statues along the East facade

The Dance by Jean Baptiste Carpeaux

Lyral Drama façade sculpture by Jean-Joseph Perraud

West facade of the Opera Garnier

The two gilded figural groups, Charles Gumery's L'Harmonie (Harmony) and La Poésie (Poetry), crown the apexes of the principal façade.

Both statues are both made of gilt copper electrotype.

Bronze busts of Beethoven and Mozart on the front façade

Close view of both busts

We are now Rue Saint Honore is where you can find a lot of upscale boutiques such as Chanel, YSL, Dior, etc..

A lovely arcade.

A nice courtyard with outdoor seating.

Goyard boutique.

Place Vendôme

Panoramic view of place Vendôme.

Place Vendôme is a large square in the 1st arrondissement with the Vendome Column.

The original column was started in 1806 at Napoleon's direction and completed in 1810. It was modeled after Trajan's Column, to celebrate the victory of Austerlitz.

The Place Vendôme has been renowned for its fashionable and deluxe hotels such as the Ritz. Many famous dress designers have had their salons in the square. 

Cafe de la Paix is a famous café located on the northwest corner of the intersection of the Boulevard des Capucines and the Place de l'Opéra, in the 9th arrondissement. Designed in the Napoleon III style by the architect Alfred Armand, who also designed the historic Grand-Hôtel in which the café is located, its florid interior decorations, historic location, and high-profile clientele have all brought it international recognition as a site of great cultural significance.

NEXT.... Church La Madeleine